First and Third Carlist Wars: Impact on the Basque Country
First Carlist War (1833-1840)
The main reasons for the war were a succession problem and tensions between liberalism and absolutism. It started with the appointment of a successor. Ferdinand VII invalidated the Salic Law and substituted the Pragmatic Sanction, naming his daughter Isabella as Queen. When Ferdinand VII died, two groups formed:
- Absolutists (supporting Carlos Maria Isidro)
- Liberals (supporting Isabella)
Isabella was only 3 years old, so Maria Cristina assumed the regency. The claim of Carlos Maria Isidro provoked the Carlist War. Most of the Basque Country was Carlist, but the dynastic issue was not the only factor. Carlos was in favor of the fueros (regional privileges).
War Development in the Basque Country
First Period (1833 to Zumalakarregi’s Death)
From 1833 until Zumalakarregi’s death, Carlists used guerrilla tactics. Liberals were defeated in Navarre, and Carlists managed to control the Basque Country. The Carlist aim was to conquer the most important cities. Carlos wanted to take Bilbao, and Zumalakarregi put the city under siege, but he died from his injuries. Espartero lifted the siege.
Second Period (1835-1837)
After Zumalakarregi’s death, Carlists organized several expeditions around Spain. When they arrived in Madrid, they did not manage to gain control of the city.
Third Period (1837-1839)
Both groups were exhausted, leading to negotiations. Muñagorri presented the proposal “Peace and Fueros,” where Carlists would accept Isabella II, and Liberals would keep the fueros. Biscay and Gipuzkoa accepted, but Alava and Navarre did not. Espartero gave the order to kill the Navarrese ultraconservatives and then met with Maroto. They signed the Vergara Agreement, ending the war. Carlists recognized Isabella II and accepted the government. Liberals compromised to accept and maintain Carlists in the ranks, and Espartero promised to uphold the fueros of the Basque Country.
Consequences of the War: Foral Reform
At the end of the First Carlist War, the fueros continued, assured by the Vergara Agreement, but the Law of October 25, 1839, put forth by Espartero, changed it: Fueros had to adapt to the Spanish Constitution. Representatives of Alava, Gipuzkoa, and Biscay presented a united proposal, but fueros had to be accepted as a whole in Madrid. This was not possible because Navarre had a different ideology. Biscay, Gipuzkoa, and Alava continued to reinforce their views before the negotiation in Madrid. But then there was a small moderate riot, and Espartero abolished the fueros. However, moderates expelled Espartero, and the new government negotiated with the three territories and approved the fueros.
Third Carlist War (1872-1876)
During Isabella II’s government, the fueros were respected, but when the Queen was expelled, Carlists wanted to recover the old monarchy and the old foral system. A new candidate for the Spanish throne was found: Amadeo of Savoy.
Causes of the War
The First Republic was proclaimed, which the Basques felt was an attempt against their religious feelings. They considered the Republic to be against the fueros. Carlos VII, Carlos Maria’s grandson, offered to defend them. Many liberals of the city were in favor of Carlism, while other urban citizens remained in favor of liberalism.
War Development
Carlos VII proclaimed his right to the Spanish Throne. At first, the Carlists were losing. General Ollo formed a small army, like Zumalakarregi, and managed to gain the majority of Basque territories using guerrilla tactics. The war continued, but when Alphonse XII became king, people left Carlism because they liked the new government.
Consequences of the War
When Alphonse XII became king, Canovas del Castillo eliminated the fueros. There were protests in the Basque Country. Canovas created the “Economic Concert.” With this, Basque deputations had the right to collect taxes and then pay a quota to the Spanish State. In exchange, they managed education, roads, railroads, health services, and public order.